Radiocontrast Media Reactions: Rectifying Misconceptions About Shellfish Allergy and Iodine “Allergy” In An Academic Institution

Abstract

Healthcare professionals (HP) perpetuate misconceptions regarding radiocontrast media (RCM) reactions and their relationship to shellfish allergy and iodine “allergy.” The impact of an educational intervention was tested to dispel these myths. A survey was administered before and after separate grand rounds lectures about anaphylaxis to internal medicine, emergency medicine, pediatrics, and radiology audiences at the University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. Pre- and post-test responses were analyzed to assess the impact of the intervention on beliefs about RCM reactions and their perceived relationship to shellfish allergy and iodine “allergy.” Training level and specialty were assessed. Institutional review board approval and informed consent were obtained. One hundred and thirty-five (135) HP attended the grand rounds; 105 completed both pre- and post-tests, 7 only the pre-test, and 23 arrived too late to complete the pre-test or declined to participate. The mean pre- and post-test correct response scores were 39% and 90%, respectively (p<0.005). Pre-test correct response scores for shellfish and iodine questions were 44% and 27%, respectively, indicating higher baseline knowledge about shellfish allergy than iodine “allergy” (p<0.005). The intervention had a greater impact on respondents’ knowledge about iodine “allergy” than shellfish allergy, most likely due to the difference in baseline knowledge (p<0.005). Pre-test correct response scores for emergency medicine (54%) and internal medicine (31%) differed significantly (p=0.033). There was no statistically significant correlation with training levels. An educational intervention helps rectify misconceptions among HP about RCM reactions and their perceived relationship to shellfish allergy and iodine “allergy.”